{{disambig-more|The Lord of the Rings|[[The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation)]]}}[[Image:Lotro logo.png|250px|right]]

{{disambig-more|The Lord of the Rings|[[The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation)]]}}[[Image:Lotro logo.png|250px|right]]

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<!--Add the following sections: Gameplay, Races, Classes, Crafting, Economy & Currency, Social (Kinships), Hobbies (Fishing), Housing, Special packs, Festivals, Game Music, Music system, Instances & Raids, Skills & Traits, Quests & Tasks, Reputation and Deeds-->'''''The Lord of the Rings Online''''' (commonly abbreviated to '''LOTRO''' or '''LotRO''') is the common name for an MMORPG that takes place in the world of [[Arda]] during the time of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]].''

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<!--Add the following sections: Crafting, Economy & Currency, Social (Kinships), Hobbies (Fishing), Housing, Special packs, Festivals, Game Music, Music system, Instances & Raids, Skills & Traits, Quests & Tasks, Reputation and Deeds-->'''''The Lord of the Rings Online''''' (commonly abbreviated to '''LOTRO''' or '''LotRO''') is the common name for an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) that takes place in the world of [[Arda]] during the time of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]].''

==Development==

==Development==

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<!--This is a copy of wikipedia's article. Rewrite and expansion is needed, especially on post-2007-->[[Sierra Entertainment|Sierra]] began to develop the game in 1998, then called ''[[Middle-earth Online]]''. After Sierra was bought out by [[Vivendi|Vivendi Universal Games]], production of the game was shared with [[Turbine]]. The rights to the game were sold exclusively to Turbine in March 2004, after which they announced that the name of the project would be changed to ''The Lord of the Rings Online''.

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<!--This is a copy of wikipedia's article. Rewrite and expansion is needed, especially on post-2007 updates-->[[Sierra Entertainment|Sierra]] began to develop the game in 1998, then called ''[[Middle-earth Online]]''. After Sierra was bought out by [[Vivendi|Vivendi Universal Games]], production of the game was shared with [[Turbine]]. The rights to the game were sold exclusively to Turbine in March 2004, after which they announced that the name of the project would be changed to ''The Lord of the Rings Online''.

While the majority of quests in the game are original content created by Turbine based on the history and lore of Middle-earth, the quests flagged as "Epic" quests depict specific events and scenes from the ''The Lord of the Rings'' storyline. While conducting Epic Quests, players interact with the main characters from the books, and assist in the advancing of the story toward the [[War of the Ring]] and the destruction of [[the One Ring]].

While the majority of quests in the game are original content created by Turbine based on the history and lore of Middle-earth, the quests flagged as "Epic" quests depict specific events and scenes from the ''The Lord of the Rings'' storyline. While conducting Epic Quests, players interact with the main characters from the books, and assist in the advancing of the story toward the [[War of the Ring]] and the destruction of [[the One Ring]].

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===Gameplay===

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''The Lord of the Rings Online'' is an "open-world" game in which players can travel to any land or region. Regions progress in difficulty and the content of some must be purchased with game expansions. Players acquire quests from non-player characters (NPCs). A special Epic Quest line contains the main storyline of the game, running parallel to events in ''The Lord of the Rings''.

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Monsters and unfriendly creatures are found throughout the landscape. Players battle these using learned skills and attacks. The game is mainly Player vs. Environment (PvE). However in the [[Ettenmoors]] region, players can participate in Player vs. Player battles (PvP). Most gameplay is solo but players can team up in Fellowships to perform quests, skirmishes, or raids designed for larger groups.

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Completing quests and special deeds allows players to advance in Level and acquire new skills, armour, or weapons. Legendary Weapons can be customized, renamed, and enhanced with Relics.

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Towns and settlements provide Vendors where players can purchase or repair their armour, weapons, and supplies. Towns also often include Mailboxes, Auction Halls, Class Trainers, Forge-masters, Relic-masters, and Stable-masters who allow swift travel between regions.

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The player interface allows other aspects of gameplay such as Character screens, Quest and Deed Logs, a Social Panel where players can interact, and a Crafting panel where players use skills to craft new items.

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====Races====

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Players are able to play as any of the [[Free Peoples]] -- [[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]] or [[Hobbits]]. Male or female characters can be created, except in the case of Dwarves. As per Tolkien, Dwarf women are very rare and seldom leave their mountain halls.

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Additionally, in the [[Ettenmoors]] region where Monster Play is available, players can portray [[Orcs]], [[Uruk-hai]], [[Wargs]], or [[Spiders]].

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====Classes====

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Several Classes are available to players, each with specific skills, strengths, and weaknesses. These include Burglars, Captains, Champions, Guardians, Hunters, Lore-masters, Minstrels, Rune-keepers, and Wardens.

===Shadows of Angmar===

===Shadows of Angmar===

<!--Move to expansion-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''

<!--Move to expansion-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar|Shadows of Angmar]]'' was released on [[24 April|April 24]], [[2007]]. It included books 1 through 8 of the epic quest line. Approximately once every two months a major free update is added to the Lord of the Rings Online. Each update is an extension to the epic quest called a book.

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar|Shadows of Angmar]]'' was released on [[24 April|April 24]], [[2007]]. It included books 1 through 8 of the epic quest line. Approximately once every two months a major free update is added to ''The Lord of the Rings Online''. Each update is an extension to the epic quest called a book.

*The epic story is expanded with book 9, [[Shores of Evendim]]<ref name="book9"/>

*The epic story is expanded with book 9, [[Shores of Evendim]]<ref name="book9"/>

*100 new quests are added.<ref name="book9"/>

*100 new quests are added.<ref name="book9"/>

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The third free-content update was released on October 24, 2007 in North America<ref>[http://www.lotro.com/article/430 Turbine and Codemasters Online Gaming to Unveil Book 11: Defenders of Eriador for The Lord of the Rings Online]</ref> and October 25 in Europe.<ref>[http://www.lotro-europe.com/news.php?id=4661&articletype=News Codemasters Online and Turbine to unveil Book 11: Defenders of Eriador]</ref>

The third free-content update was released on October 24, 2007 in North America<ref>[http://www.lotro.com/article/430 Turbine and Codemasters Online Gaming to Unveil Book 11: Defenders of Eriador for The Lord of the Rings Online]</ref> and October 25 in Europe.<ref>[http://www.lotro-europe.com/news.php?id=4661&articletype=News Codemasters Online and Turbine to unveil Book 11: Defenders of Eriador]</ref>

*Character customization - Increased character customization "ranging from haircuts, to some (possible) additions to the trait-system." In addition, the Outfit system, along with many special social clothing designed just for it, will be introduced where a second or third set of clothing can be slotted and displayed while retaining the statistical bonuses of the currently equipped items.<ref>[http://lotro.stratics.com/content/hoclog/hoc10.php Lord of the Rings Online: House of Commons ]</ref>

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*Character customization - Increased character customization "ranging from haircuts, to some (possible) additions to the trait-system." In addition, the Outfit system, along with special social clothing designed just for it, will be introduced where a second or third set of clothing can be slotted and displayed while retaining the statistical bonuses of the currently equipped items.<ref>[http://lotro.stratics.com/content/hoclog/hoc10.php Lord of the Rings Online: House of Commons ]</ref>

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*The Delving of Frór - A new Monster Play PVE (and PVMP under certain circumstances) area will be introduced: An expanse of caves and catacombs located beneath the Ettenmoors.

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*The Delving of Frór - A new Monster Play PVE (and PVMP under certain circumstances) area was introduced: An expanse of caves and catacombs located beneath the Ettenmoors.

*The Great Angmar Revamp - A revamp of the most high-level region of the game's current 9 PvE regions. The revamp included the reworking of many quests, areas and other changes, such as new horse routes.

*The Great Angmar Revamp - A revamp of the most high-level region of the game's current 9 PvE regions. The revamp included the reworking of many quests, areas and other changes, such as new horse routes.

*Barbershop - You can customize the look of your avatar in-game with around 50 new haircuts and second set of details.

*Barbershop - You can customize the look of your avatar in-game with around 50 new haircuts and second set of details.

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The fifth free content update was released on April 24, 2008 in North America and on May 1, 2008 in Europe.

The fifth free content update was released on April 24, 2008 in North America and on May 1, 2008 in Europe.

*Added the zone of Eregion expanding on the selected sections from Book 14. The zone does not include the Hollin Gate leading to the Black Pool.

*Added the zone of Eregion expanding on the selected sections from Book 14. The zone does not include the Hollin Gate leading to the Black Pool.

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===Mines of Moria Expansion===

===Mines of Moria Expansion===

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]''

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]''

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria|Mines of Moria]]'' was released on [[18 November|November 18]], [[2008]]. It included books 1 through 6 of the epic quest line. Like ''Shadows of Angmar'', ''Mines of Moria'' continues to regularly release updates. Updates have been less frequent than Shadows of Angmar.

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria|Mines of Moria]]'' was released on [[18 November|November 18]], [[2008]]. It included Vol. II books 1 through 6 of the epic quest line. Like ''Shadows of Angmar'', ''Mines of Moria'' continued to regularly release updates. Updates were less frequent than Shadows of Angmar.

====Book 7: Leaves of Lórien====

====Book 7: Leaves of Lórien====

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* Continuation of the Epic Storyline in Book 7, [[Leaves of Lórien]].<ref name="book7">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/book-spotlights/342-vol2book7|articlename=Volume II: Book 7: Leaves of Lórien Spotlight|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

* Continuation of the Epic Storyline in Book 7, [[Leaves of Lórien]].<ref name="book7">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/book-spotlights/342-vol2book7|articlename=Volume II: Book 7: Leaves of Lórien Spotlight|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

* Expansion of the Lothlórien Area, including [[Caras Galadhon]].<ref name="book7"/>

* Expansion of the Lothlórien Area, including [[Caras Galadhon]].<ref name="book7"/>

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* A new raid, named ''Stange Hapenings'', has been added.<ref name="book7"/>

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* A new raid, named ''Strange Happenings'', has been added.<ref name="book7"/>

* The [[Galadhrim]] are added as a new reputation faction.<ref name="book7"/>

* The [[Galadhrim]] are added as a new reputation faction.<ref name="book7"/>

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood]]''

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood]]''

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood|Siege of Mirkwood]]'' was released on December 1, 2009 in North America and December 3, 2009 in Europe. Unlike the second expansion this edition was only available via a web based download. It included Book 9 and the epilogue of Volume II: Mines of Moria.

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''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood|Siege of Mirkwood]]'' was released on December 1, 2009 in North America and December 3, 2009 in Europe. Unlike the second expansion this edition was only available via a web-based download. It included Book 9 and the epilogue of Volume II: Mines of Moria.

[[Kate Paiz]], Executive Producer for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'', released a letter on October 22, 2010 stating that updates will be more frequent but will not always be accompanied with a new book continuing the epic story.<ref>[http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/866-producers-letter-october-2010 Producer's Letter, October-2010] lotro.com, Dev Diaries</ref>

[[Kate Paiz]], Executive Producer for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'', released a letter on October 22, 2010 stating that updates will be more frequent but will not always be accompanied with a new book continuing the epic story.<ref>[http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/866-producers-letter-october-2010 Producer's Letter, October-2010] lotro.com, Dev Diaries</ref>

Book 2 was released on [[10 September|September 10]], [[2010]] in North America. ([[8 September|September 8]], [[2010]] for subscribers). It was delayed in Europe because of contractual reaons and was finally released on [[2 November]], almost two months after North America.<ref>[http://massively.joystiq.com/ Massively], [http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/v-e-me-day-lotro-europe-announces-launch-date-for-free-to-play/ V-E-ME Day: LotRO Europe announces launch date for free-to-play], dated [[29 October]], [[2010]] (accessed [[11 November]], [[2011]])</ref>

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Book 2 was released on [[10 September|September 10]], [[2010]] in North America. ([[8 September|September 8]], [[2010]] for subscribers). It was delayed in Europe because of contractual reasons and was finally released on [[2 November]], almost two months after North America.<ref>[http://massively.joystiq.com/ Massively], [http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/v-e-me-day-lotro-europe-announces-launch-date-for-free-to-play/ V-E-ME Day: LotRO Europe announces launch date for free-to-play], dated [[29 October]], [[2010]] (accessed [[11 November]], [[2011]])</ref>

* Improvements to the vault, and a new wardrobe system for cosmetic items

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* Improvements to the vault, and a new wardrobe system for cosmetic items.

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* Updates to the captain class

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* Updates to the Captain class.

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* The Lotro store, where players may purchase convenience items. Points either earned through gameplay, through the VIP program or by being purchased.

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* The LOTRO store, where players may purchase convenience items. Points either earned through gameplay, through the VIP program or by being purchased.

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* The introduction of Lua Scripting

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* The introduction of Lua Scripting.

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* DirectX 11 support

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* DirectX 11 support.

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* Ranger sesion play

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* Ranger session play.

====Update 1: Journey to Winter-Home====

====Update 1: Journey to Winter-Home====

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 1 Journey to Winter-Home.png|300px|thumb]]The first post Free-to-play update will be released in November 2010{{Outdated}}. Due to changes to how updates work this will not contain an epic book.

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 1 Journey to Winter-Home.png|300px|thumb]]The first post Free-to-play update was released in November 2010. Due to changes to how updates work this did not contain an epic book.

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Updates include:

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Updates included:

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* A Barter Wallet for skirmish marks and anniversary tokens

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* A Barter Wallet for skirmish marks and anniversary tokens.

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* Opening of Moria, Lothlorien, Mirkwood and Enedwaith to free-to-play players, Volume II and Volume III will also be available, as well the legendary item system, and the lvl 65 level cap all to free-to-play players.

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* Opening of Moria, Lothlorien, Mirkwood and Enedwaith to free-to-play players. Volume II and Volume III will also be available, as well the legendary item system, and the level 65 level cap all to free-to-play players.

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* Vault improvements

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* Vault improvements.

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* Tasks: a new quest type for all levels

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* Tasks: a new quest type for all levels.

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* Improved reputation mounts

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* Improved reputation mounts.

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* Updates to the Lore-Master, and Rune-Keeper class

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* Updates to the Lore-master and Rune-keeper classes.

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* Ered-Luin starting area revamp

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* Ered Luin starting area revamp.

====Update 2: Echoes of the Dead====

====Update 2: Echoes of the Dead====

[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 2 Echoes of the Dead.png|300px|thumb]]The first update of 2011 was released on [[21 March|March 21]] in the United States and [[24 March|March 24]] for Europe.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 2 Echoes of the Dead.png|300px|thumb]]The first update of 2011 was released on [[21 March|March 21]] in the United States and [[24 March|March 24]] for Europe.

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Updates include:

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Updates included:

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* Two three man's, two six man's, and a 12 person raid were added for lvl 65 players.

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* Two 3-man's, two 6-man's, and a 12-person raid were added for level 65 players.

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* A special item required to craft a first age weapon which drop from the above raid.

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* A special item required to craft a First Age weapon which drops from the above raid.

* Radiance was removed.

* Radiance was removed.

* Legendary Items were updated.

* Legendary Items were updated.

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 3 Lost Legends of Eriador.png|300px|thumb]]''Lost Legends of Eriador'' was the third update. It was released on [[23 May|May 23]], [[2011]] and included: ([http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Update_3,_Lost_Legends_of_Eriador,_Official complete release notes]):

[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 3 Lost Legends of Eriador.png|300px|thumb]]''Lost Legends of Eriador'' was the third update. It was released on [[23 May|May 23]], [[2011]] and included: ([http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Update_3,_Lost_Legends_of_Eriador,_Official complete release notes]):

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* Two new three-man scalable instances starting mid-game

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* Two new 3-man scalable instances starting mid-game.

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* Two new skirmishes

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* Two new skirmishes.

===Rise of Isengard Expansion===

===Rise of Isengard Expansion===

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''

<!--Move to expansion?-->:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''

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The third expansion for the Lord of the Rings Online is entitled ''Rise of Isengard''. The expansion will be available on September 27, 2011 and only as a digital download.<ref>[http://isengard.lotro.com/ The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard Official Homepage]</ref>

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The third expansion for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'' is entitled ''Rise of Isengard''. The expansion was made available on September 27, 2011 and only as a digital download.<ref>[http://isengard.lotro.com/ The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard Official Homepage]</ref>

====Update 5: Armies of Isengard====

====Update 5: Armies of Isengard====

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 5 Armies of Isengard.png|220px|thumb]]''Armies of Isengard'' is the first update published after the release of The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard. It has been released on [[12 December]] [[2011]] and included ([http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Update_5,_Armies_of_Isengard,_Official complete release notes]):

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 5 Armies of Isengard.png|220px|thumb]]''Armies of Isengard'' was the first update published after the release of ''The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard''. It was released on [[12 December]] [[2011]] and included ([http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Update_5,_Armies_of_Isengard,_Official complete release notes]):

* Four new instances and a 12-man raid in and around [[Isengard]].

* Four new instances and a 12-man raid in and around [[Isengard]].

* [[The Prince of Rohan|Book 5]] of [[Allies of the King|Volume III]] is released.

* [[The Prince of Rohan|Book 5]] of [[Allies of the King|Volume III]] is released.

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* A new Instance finder, to form groups more easily

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* A new Instance finder, to form groups more easily.

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* Barter currencies of skirimishes, classic and instances are unified.

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* Barter currencies of skirmishes, classic and instances are unified.

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* Changes to Reputation items

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* Changes to Reputation items.

====Update 6: Shores of the Great River====

====Update 6: Shores of the Great River====

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 6 The Great River.png|220px|thumb]]'''Shores of the Great River''' is the sixth update and has been released on [[12 March]] [[2012]].<ref name="Update6&Riders"> {{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/|articlename=Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out in 2012|dated=25 January 2012|website=Massively|accessed=29 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="Update6">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/game-manual/1775-update-6-great-river|articlename=Update 6 Great River|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 6 The Great River.png|220px|thumb]]'''Shores of the Great River''' is the sixth update and was released on [[12 March]] [[2012]].<ref name="Update6&Riders"> {{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/|articlename=Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out in 2012|dated=25 January 2012|website=Massively|accessed=29 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="Update6">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/game-manual/1775-update-6-great-river|articlename=Update 6 Great River|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

*A new region, the [[Anduin|The Great River]], was added, featuring seven new areas - including [[Parth Celebrant]] - in the upper [[Anduin]]. <ref name="Update6"/>

*A new region, the [[Anduin|The Great River]], was added, featuring seven new areas - including [[Parth Celebrant]] - in the upper [[Anduin]]. <ref name="Update6"/>

*[[Mists of Anduin]], Book 6 of Volume III, was released, in which the player seeks the wisdom of [[Galadriel]] about troubling dreams and fights [[Easterlings]], Brigands and an ancient enemy of Rohan.<ref name="Update6"/>

*[[Mists of Anduin]], Book 6 of Volume III, was released, in which the player seeks the wisdom of [[Galadriel]] about troubling dreams and fights [[Easterlings]], Brigands and an ancient enemy of Rohan.<ref name="Update6"/>

*Currency-change in Monster Play: "Destiny" will be replaced with "Commendations". Commendations will be available for both Freeps and Creeps.<ref name="MP Currency change">{{webcite|author=Jaret Pruett|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/1776-update-6-commendations-developer-diary|articlename=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/1776-update-6-commendations-developer-diary|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

*Currency-change in Monster Play: "Destiny" will be replaced with "Commendations". Commendations will be available for both Freeps and Creeps.<ref name="MP Currency change">{{webcite|author=Jaret Pruett|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/1776-update-6-commendations-developer-diary|articlename=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/1776-update-6-commendations-developer-diary|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=19 February 2012}}</ref>

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====Update 7====

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====Update 7: Shades of the Past====

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A seventh update for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'' will be released on May 14th, 2012.<ref name="MP Currency change"/>

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[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Update 7 Shades of the Past.png|thumb|220px]]'''Shades of the Past''' is the seventh update<ref name="Update 7">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/1966|articlename=Update 7|dated=|website=lotro.com|accessed=12 May 2012}}</ref> and was released on 14 May, 2012.{{fact}}

*Revamp of the Fornost instance and Moria region.<ref name="Update 7"/>

===Riders of Rohan Expansion===

===Riders of Rohan Expansion===

:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''

:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''

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The fourth expansion for The Lord of the Rings Online is named ''Riders of Rohan''. The expansion is scheduled to be released in fall [[2012]].<ref name="Turbine">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/news/pressreleases/1736-warner-bros-interactive-entertainment-and-turbine-unveil-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-riders-of-rohan|articlename=WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND TURBINE UNVEIL THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™: RIDERS OF ROHAN™|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=30 January 2012}}</ref>

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The fourth expansion for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'' is named ''Riders of Rohan''. The expansion was released on October 15, 2012. <ref name="Turbine">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotro.com/news/pressreleases/1736-warner-bros-interactive-entertainment-and-turbine-unveil-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-riders-of-rohan|articlename=WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND TURBINE UNVEIL THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™: RIDERS OF ROHAN™|dated=|website=www.lotro.com|accessed=30 January 2012}}</ref>

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===Helm's Deep Expansion===

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:''Main article [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm's Deep]]''

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The fourth expansion for ''The Lord of the Rings Online'' is named ''Helm's Deep''. The expansion will release during the Fall of 2013.

== Added Elements ==

== Added Elements ==

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===Characters===

===Characters===

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* '''[[Amarthiel]]''' served for the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] during his first reign over [[Angmar]]<ref>In the game the Witch-king reigned over Angmar again shortly before the [[War of the Ring]].</ref> and wore the [[lesser rings|lesser ring]] [[Narchuil]]. She was slain by [[Narmeleth]] at the [[Battle of Fornost]] and her soul wandered [[Middle-earth]] for over a thousand years. She managed to possess Narmeleth and disguises herself as Sara Oakheart. She eventually revealed herself after the defeat of [[Mordirith]] by [[Golodir]] and becomes the Regent of Angmar.

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* '''[[Amarthiel]]''' served the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] during his first reign over [[Angmar]]<ref>In the game the Witch-king reigned over Angmar again shortly before the [[War of the Ring]].</ref> and wore the [[lesser rings|lesser ring]] [[Narchuil]]. She was slain by [[Narmeleth]] at the [[Battle of Fornost]] and her soul wandered [[Middle-earth]] for over a thousand years. She managed to possess Narmeleth and disguised herself as Sara Oakheart. She eventually revealed herself after the defeat of [[Mordirith]] by [[Golodir]] and becomes the Regent of Angmar.

* '''[[Andraste]]''' was a female [[Men|Man]] who served the [[Witch-king]].

* '''[[Andraste]]''' was a female [[Men|Man]] who served the [[Witch-king]].

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* '''[[Jon Brackenbrook]]''' was a [[Men|Man]] who was captain of [[Archet]].

* '''[[Jon Brackenbrook]]''' was a [[Men|Man]] who was captain of [[Archet]].

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* '''[[Ronald Dwale]]''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] from [[Dwalling]]. He's an author and a member of [[The Inklings (LOTRO)|the Inklings]], that meets each others in the [[Bird and Baby Inn]]. He's based on [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself.

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* '''[[Ronald Dwale]]''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] from [[Dwalling]]. He's an author and a member of [[The Inklings (LOTRO)|the Inklings]], that meets in the [[Bird and Baby Inn]]. He's based on [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself.

* '''[[Éogan]]''' was the second in command of the [[Blackwolds]] and took over leadership of the group after William Skunkwood's death.

* '''[[Éogan]]''' was the second in command of the [[Blackwolds]] and took over leadership of the group after William Skunkwood's death.

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* '''[[William Skunkwood]]''' was the leader of the [[Blackwolds]].

* '''[[William Skunkwood]]''' was the leader of the [[Blackwolds]].

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* '''[[Skorgrím]]''' was a dwarf and leader of the [[Dourhands]] he was slain during the Battle of Edhelion. His corpse was used as a vehicle by Ivar the Bloodhand who possessed it with a fell spirit to trick the Dourhands to ally themselves with the forces of [[Angmar]].

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* '''[[Skorgrím]]''' was a dwarf and leader of the [[Dourhands]]. He was slain during the Battle of Edhelion. His corpse was used as a vehicle by Ivar the Bloodhand who possessed it with a fell spirit to trick the Dourhands to ally themselves with the forces of [[Angmar]].

* '''[[Sambrog]]''' was the Wight-lord of the [[Barrow-downs]].

* '''[[Sambrog]]''' was the Wight-lord of the [[Barrow-downs]].

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* '''The [[Dourhands]]''' was a clan of dwarves aligned with the forces of [[Angmar]]. They were the dwarves that stayed behind to rebuild the Dwarven Halls in the [[Blue Mountains]] which were destroyed during the [[War of Wrath]].

* '''The [[Dourhands]]''' was a clan of dwarves aligned with the forces of [[Angmar]]. They were the dwarves that stayed behind to rebuild the Dwarven Halls in the [[Blue Mountains]] which were destroyed during the [[War of Wrath]].

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* '''The [[Inklings (Shadows of Angmar)|Inklings]]''' are a group of [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]-authors who discuse about literature, they meet each other in the [[Bird and Baby Inn]]. Prominent members are [[Ronald Dwale]] ([[J.R.R. Tolkien]]), [[Owen Farfield]] ([[Owen Barfield]]), [[Carlo Williams]] ([[Charles Williams]]) and [[Jack Lewisdown]] ([[C.S. Lewis]]). The group and members are based on the real [[Inklings]].

+

* '''The [[Inklings (Shadows of Angmar)|Inklings]]''' are a group of [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]-authors who discuss literature. They meet each other in the [[Bird and Baby Inn]]. Prominent members are [[Ronald Dwale]] ([[J.R.R. Tolkien]]), [[Owen Farfield]] ([[Owen Barfield]]), [[Carlo Williams]] ([[Charles Williams]]) and [[Jack Lewisdown]] ([[C.S. Lewis]]). The group and members are based on the real [[Inklings]].

===Objects===

===Objects===

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===Locations===

===Locations===

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* '''[[Agamaur]]''' was a vast swamp north of the [[East-West Road]] not far from the [[Last Bridge]]. It was a site of a major battle between [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]]. To the west is the ruins of Haragmar, a fortress of [[Arnor]]. To the east lies the ruins of Garth Agarwen, a fortress of Rhudaur.

+

* '''[[Agamaur]]''' was a vast swamp of the [[Lone-lands]]. It was a site of a major battle between [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]]. To the west were the ruins of Ost Guruth, a fortress of [[Arnor]] claimed by the nomadic Eglain. To the east lay the ruins of Garth Agarwen, a fortress of Rhudaur ruled by [[Hill-men]] loyal to the mysterious Red Maid.

+

+

* '''[[Esteldin]]''' was a ruin of Arnor in the [[North Downs]]. At the time of the [[War of the Ring]], it was used as a base of operations by the [[Rangers of the North]].

+

+

*'''[[Falathlorn]]''' was a green and beautiful region of the [[Ered Luin]] favored by the Elves. It contained the Elvish havens of Duillond and Celondim. Not far from this region were the chilly Low-lands, site of the Dwarvish cities Gondamon and Kheledul.

+

+

*'''[[Galtrev]]''' was one of the largest towns of [[Dunland]], the nominal capitol of the country.

+

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*'''[[Maur Tulhau]]''' was a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbit village in [[Enedwaith]] located in the forbidding Gloomgens. It was an remnant of the time when the Stoors lived in this region before most of their number moved north to [[The Shire]].

* '''[[Othrongroth]]''' was the oldest and largest Edain mound in the [[Barrow-downs]].

* '''[[Othrongroth]]''' was the oldest and largest Edain mound in the [[Barrow-downs]].

+

+

*'''[[Stangard]]''' was a [[Rohirrim]] settlement near the Great River [[Anduin]]. Its inhabitants were mostly exiles sent to protect [[Rohan]]'s outer borders.

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* '''[[Tinnudir]]''' was an island in [[Lake Evendim]]. It was used as a headquarters by a group of Rangers called the Wardens of [[Annúminas]], protectors of the ancient capitol of Arnor.

===Structures===

===Structures===

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==License==

==License==

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<!--Add info about Gandalf-Thorin meeting and Khamûl/Lieunitant of Dol Guldur-->

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<!--Add info about Gandalf-Thorin meeting and Khamûl/Lieutenant of Dol Guldur-->

For ''The Lord of the Rings Online'', [[Turbine]] has licensed the rights to the content and lore of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Turbine does not have license rights to the [[New Line Cinema]] film trilogy nor ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' books or ''[[The Children of Húrin]]''. Turbine was bought by Warner Bros. on April 20, 2010 and through them now have the license right to the New Line Cinema film trilogy and the upcoming Hobbit films.{{fact}}

For ''The Lord of the Rings Online'', [[Turbine]] has licensed the rights to the content and lore of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Turbine does not have license rights to the [[New Line Cinema]] film trilogy nor ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' books or ''[[The Children of Húrin]]''. Turbine was bought by Warner Bros. on April 20, 2010 and through them now have the license right to the New Line Cinema film trilogy and the upcoming Hobbit films.{{fact}}

Revision as of 13:13, 8 September 2013

The Lord of the Rings Online (commonly abbreviated to LOTRO or LotRO) is the common name for an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) that takes place in the world of Arda during the time of The Lord of the Rings.

Development

Sierra began to develop the game in 1998, then called Middle-earth Online. After Sierra was bought out by Vivendi Universal Games, production of the game was shared with Turbine. The rights to the game were sold exclusively to Turbine in March 2004, after which they announced that the name of the project would be changed to The Lord of the Rings Online.

While the majority of quests in the game are original content created by Turbine based on the history and lore of Middle-earth, the quests flagged as "Epic" quests depict specific events and scenes from the The Lord of the Rings storyline. While conducting Epic Quests, players interact with the main characters from the books, and assist in the advancing of the story toward the War of the Ring and the destruction of the One Ring.

The game also attempts to mimic The Lord of the Rings by being broken down in volumes, books and chapters. The original game is called Volume I, the following expansion is Volume II and the current expansion is Volume III. Each one of the epic quests are broken down by "Books" and "Chapters".

Turbine has gone to great lengths to faithfully recreate the fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien with a high degree of attention to detail. Essentially every character named in the books appears in the game and can be interacted with during quests and other activities.

A closed beta was announced on September 8, 2006. An open beta began on March 30, 2007, and was open to all who pre-ordered the game's Founders Club edition. On April 6, 2007, the beta opened to the public.

Gameplay

The Lord of the Rings Online is an "open-world" game in which players can travel to any land or region. Regions progress in difficulty and the content of some must be purchased with game expansions. Players acquire quests from non-player characters (NPCs). A special Epic Quest line contains the main storyline of the game, running parallel to events in The Lord of the Rings.

Monsters and unfriendly creatures are found throughout the landscape. Players battle these using learned skills and attacks. The game is mainly Player vs. Environment (PvE). However in the Ettenmoors region, players can participate in Player vs. Player battles (PvP). Most gameplay is solo but players can team up in Fellowships to perform quests, skirmishes, or raids designed for larger groups.

Completing quests and special deeds allows players to advance in Level and acquire new skills, armour, or weapons. Legendary Weapons can be customized, renamed, and enhanced with Relics.

Towns and settlements provide Vendors where players can purchase or repair their armour, weapons, and supplies. Towns also often include Mailboxes, Auction Halls, Class Trainers, Forge-masters, Relic-masters, and Stable-masters who allow swift travel between regions.

The player interface allows other aspects of gameplay such as Character screens, Quest and Deed Logs, a Social Panel where players can interact, and a Crafting panel where players use skills to craft new items.

Races

Players are able to play as any of the Free Peoples -- Elves, Men, Dwarves or Hobbits. Male or female characters can be created, except in the case of Dwarves. As per Tolkien, Dwarf women are very rare and seldom leave their mountain halls.

Classes

Several Classes are available to players, each with specific skills, strengths, and weaknesses. These include Burglars, Captains, Champions, Guardians, Hunters, Lore-masters, Minstrels, Rune-keepers, and Wardens.

Shadows of Angmar

Shadows of Angmar was released on April 24, 2007. It included books 1 through 8 of the epic quest line. Approximately once every two months a major free update is added to The Lord of the Rings Online. Each update is an extension to the epic quest called a book.

Book 10: The City of Kings

The second free-content update was released on August 21, 2007 in North America and on August 24, 2007 in Europe.[3]

Updates included:

Continuation of the Story Line.

Legendary Play – Players can now use Destiny Points to play as a Ranger of the North or as a Troll.

Critter Play – Players can now explore Middle-earth from a different viewpoint as a chicken.

New Reputation and Bartering Systems – The Reputation system enables players to earn positive and negative standing with different races and groups in Middle-earth based on both monster kills and quest completions. The Bartering system allows players to trade trophies earned in battle for rewards, such as armour sets or mounts.

Character customization - Increased character customization "ranging from haircuts, to some (possible) additions to the trait-system." In addition, the Outfit system, along with special social clothing designed just for it, will be introduced where a second or third set of clothing can be slotted and displayed while retaining the statistical bonuses of the currently equipped items.[7]

The Delving of Frór - A new Monster Play PVE (and PVMP under certain circumstances) area was introduced: An expanse of caves and catacombs located beneath the Ettenmoors.

The Great Angmar Revamp - A revamp of the most high-level region of the game's current 9 PvE regions. The revamp included the reworking of many quests, areas and other changes, such as new horse routes.

Barbershop - You can customize the look of your avatar in-game with around 50 new haircuts and second set of details.

Mines of Moria Expansion

Mines of Moria was released on November 18, 2008. It included Vol. II books 1 through 6 of the epic quest line. Like Shadows of Angmar, Mines of Moria continued to regularly release updates. Updates were less frequent than Shadows of Angmar.

Siege of Mirkwood Expansion

Siege of Mirkwood was released on December 1, 2009 in North America and December 3, 2009 in Europe. Unlike the second expansion this edition was only available via a web-based download. It included Book 9 and the epilogue of Volume II: Mines of Moria.

Kate Paiz, Executive Producer for The Lord of the Rings Online, released a letter on October 22, 2010 stating that updates will be more frequent but will not always be accompanied with a new book continuing the epic story.[10]

Book 2: Ride of the Grey Company

Book 2 was released on September 10, 2010 in North America. (September 8, 2010 for subscribers). It was delayed in Europe because of contractual reasons and was finally released on 2 November, almost two months after North America.[12]

Improvements to the vault, and a new wardrobe system for cosmetic items.

Updates to the Captain class.

The LOTRO store, where players may purchase convenience items. Points either earned through gameplay, through the VIP program or by being purchased.

The introduction of Lua Scripting.

DirectX 11 support.

Ranger session play.

Update 1: Journey to Winter-Home

The first post Free-to-play update was released in November 2010. Due to changes to how updates work this did not contain an epic book.

Updates included:

A Barter Wallet for skirmish marks and anniversary tokens.

Opening of Moria, Lothlorien, Mirkwood and Enedwaith to free-to-play players. Volume II and Volume III will also be available, as well the legendary item system, and the level 65 level cap all to free-to-play players.

Vault improvements.

Tasks: a new quest type for all levels.

Improved reputation mounts.

Updates to the Lore-master and Rune-keeper classes.

Ered Luin starting area revamp.

Update 2: Echoes of the Dead

The first update of 2011 was released on March 21 in the United States and March 24 for Europe.

Updates included:

Two 3-man's, two 6-man's, and a 12-person raid were added for level 65 players.

A special item required to craft a First Age weapon which drops from the above raid.

Éogan was the second in command of the Blackwolds and took over leadership of the group after William Skunkwood's death.

The Huntsman was a spirit found in Enedwaith who took the shape of a large man with horns of a stag. Many players thought this was Oromë. The developers confirmed that it wasn't Oromë but a Maia of Oromë.[20]

Skorgrím was a dwarf and leader of the Dourhands. He was slain during the Battle of Edhelion. His corpse was used as a vehicle by Ivar the Bloodhand who possessed it with a fell spirit to trick the Dourhands to ally themselves with the forces of Angmar.

Groups

The Dourhands was a clan of dwarves aligned with the forces of Angmar. They were the dwarves that stayed behind to rebuild the Dwarven Halls in the Blue Mountains which were destroyed during the War of Wrath.

Objects

Locations

Agamaur was a vast swamp of the Lone-lands. It was a site of a major battle between Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur. To the west were the ruins of Ost Guruth, a fortress of Arnor claimed by the nomadic Eglain. To the east lay the ruins of Garth Agarwen, a fortress of Rhudaur ruled by Hill-men loyal to the mysterious Red Maid.

Falathlorn was a green and beautiful region of the Ered Luin favored by the Elves. It contained the Elvish havens of Duillond and Celondim. Not far from this region were the chilly Low-lands, site of the Dwarvish cities Gondamon and Kheledul.

Galtrev was one of the largest towns of Dunland, the nominal capitol of the country.

Maur Tulhau was a Stoorish Hobbit village in Enedwaith located in the forbidding Gloomgens. It was an remnant of the time when the Stoors lived in this region before most of their number moved north to The Shire.

Discrepancies from the source material

The Lord of the Rings Online does not follow the story as told in The Lord of the Rings, but rather tells stories about events that happened during the same time period as the events told in J.R.R. Tolkien's book.

Reception

The Lord of the Rings Online has been received very positively thus far, as reviews continue to appear since the game's initial release.[22]

GameDaily awarded the game 9/10, praising its rich, fantasy-themed universe, well-integrated trait and title system, and a story that remains true to the works of Tolkien. Yahoo! Video Games wrote a review with few negative mentions, awarding the game a score of 4/5,[23] while Computer and Video Games called the game an essential purchase for Lord of the Rings fans, scoring the game a 9.2/10.[24] Eurogamer scored the game a 9.0/10, calling it tough to resist.[25] Gamespy gave it 4.5/5 stars, claiming the game "opened up Middle-Earth to the masses" but commented negatively on its weak PvP content,[26] while GameTrailers awarded it 8.5/10,[27] citing its interesting tweaks to the MMO genre. IGN.com ranked it a similar 8.6/10, praising it for its solid experience, though criticizing it for its lack of major improvements to the genre.[28] GamerNode.com awarded the game an 8.8/10, calling it the best MMO launch experience since Ultima Online.[29] The New York Times called the game "a major achievement of interactive storytelling, the first game truly worthy of the ‘Lord of the Rings' franchise and a must-play for just about anyone with an interest in Tolkien or the future of online entertainment."[30] In a GameSpot review, the product was awarded an 8.3/10, praising its appealing polish and intriguing Monster Play feature.[31] Gamepro.com's review gave it an overall 4.25/5, pointing out how engaging the epic quests are, as well as how faithful to the novels the game managed to stay.[32] GameSpy declared The Lord of the Rings Online 'Game of the Month' for May 2007.[33]

Awards

In August 2007, Codemasters announced that The Lord of the Rings Online had received five Golden Joystick Awards nominations for the five applicable categories for the game,[34] and in October 2007 that it had won the "PC Game of the Year" at these awards.[35] and again won the same award on October 2008. In December 2007, GameSpy awarded The Lord of the Rings Online 6th place in the top 10 PC games of 2007.[36] On December 18, Turbine announced it had also won the GameSpy MMO of the Year award.[37] In January 2009, mmorpg.com awarded Turbine both MMORPG studio of the year 2008[38], and MMO Expansion of the Year for Mines of Moria.[39]

Subscription Model

In North America, players who pre-ordered the game were offered a special founder's offer, a lifetime subscription for $199 or reduced cost of $9.99 per month. Standard monthly fee is $14.99 with three, six, twelve month, and lifetime discounts available. European players had a similar program from Codemasters.

A Holiday subscription was available in December of 2007 and January of 2008 for $9.99/month for a 3 month commitment. A one year anniversary addition includes a $9.99/month subscription or a $199.99 Lifetime subscription, which was again offered during the lead up to the release of Mines of Moria.

Warner Bros. announced on June 4, 2010 that Lord of the Rings Online will offer a free-to-play model starting in the fall of 2010.[40] On August 18, 2010, Warner Bros. announced that the free-to-play model would go live on September 10, 2010. On October 21, 2010, Codemasters announced that a preview of Free-to-Play would be available in Europe on October 25, 2010.[41]